What do you think?
Rate this book
Chapter Two is Missing
"Very few books are this entertaining to read. Even fewer are literally an active crime scene. Please help find Chapter 2. Without it, this book is nothing." -John Oliver, host of HBO's Last Week Tonight
Chapter Two is Missing is a hilarious picture book mystery starring a hopelessly lost narrator, an unqualified detective, and a very sneaky janitor, who are all surprised to discover that second chapter of the very book of which they are a part is--gasp--missing!
Do not be alarmed, but the second chapter of this book appears to be missing! It was here a minute ago, but now it seems to have simply walked off. Not only that, but some of the punctuation has gone topsy-turvy, a bunch of letter Ms are hiding in Chapter 5, and Chapter 45 appears to be from another book entirely! The narrator is going to need some assistance getting things in order, especially with the unhelpful detective who keeps butting in and that shifty janitor lurking about. Luckily he has you--the reader--to help! From Emmy winning comedy writer and producer Josh Lieb, Chapter Two is Missing is a hilarious whodunit, an irreverent look at storytelling, and perfect for fans of Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book) and The Book With No Pictures .
Chapter Two is Missing is a hilarious picture book mystery starring a hopelessly lost narrator, an unqualified detective, and a very sneaky janitor, who are all surprised to discover that second chapter of the very book of which they are a part is--gasp--missing!
Do not be alarmed, but the second chapter of this book appears to be missing! It was here a minute ago, but now it seems to have simply walked off. Not only that, but some of the punctuation has gone topsy-turvy, a bunch of letter Ms are hiding in Chapter 5, and Chapter 45 appears to be from another book entirely! The narrator is going to need some assistance getting things in order, especially with the unhelpful detective who keeps butting in and that shifty janitor lurking about. Luckily he has you--the reader--to help! From Emmy winning comedy writer and producer Josh Lieb, Chapter Two is Missing is a hilarious whodunit, an irreverent look at storytelling, and perfect for fans of Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book) and The Book With No Pictures .
48 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2019
3 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lieb
8 books41 followersJosh Lieb is an Emmy-winning Executive Producer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and has worked on such shows as The Simpsons and NewsRadio.
I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President is his first novel. He lives in New York with his wife and family.
I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President is his first novel. He lives in New York with his wife and family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
November 25, 2020
I loved this book....but why, oh why did the publisher glue down the rear dust jacket ... is there crucial information there?!?!?
January 9, 2020
Clever concept. (spoiler alert) My biggest complaint about books like this (and it's a big one) is most children's libraries cover the back and front plates so a kid who really wants to find out what chapter two says in front of a mirror will have to rip off the protective covering or ... literally miss what part of chapter two says. Big fault on layout planning and design.
October 17, 2020
Don't worry, but Chapter Two is missing.
We will look for it.
We will find it.
Just the sort of strange quirkiness I like in a story.
We will look for it.
We will find it.
Just the sort of strange quirkiness I like in a story.
November 20, 2019
There was a lot of unnecessary "stupid" and "idiot" being thrown around that dated this. The humor could have been retained without the insults, and it was unfortunate because there were a lot of funny things to discover here.
October 20, 2019
Don't be surprised when readers take this one with them to the bathroom.... for a very valid reason!
January 11, 2020
Too much of a mishmash going on for me, trying too hard to be meta funny. And my public library has glued the jacket flaps down so I can’t try to find chapter 2.
November 5, 2019
Chapter Two is Missing is a funny picture book that's been divided into chapters. Unfortunately, chapter two appears to be missing. Thus the narrator sets off on a furious journey to find it. The book janitor and police detective though seem to get in the way more than they seem to assist him in his efforts. In fact, the janitor keeps swiping letters and grammatical marks and the detective is clearly lacking in competence. There's even a chapter that clearly doesn't belong in the book that gets in the way. While quite amusing the rudeness of the characters lessened the humor for me. In addition, the length of the text and the solution make it not very workable for a story time or read aloud book. (Hint: the solution requires a mirror). If characters name calling and being rude to each other doesn't bother you, the book is quite amusing in its snarkiness. The guilty party though isn't real hard to guess and many children will figure it out long before it's revealed. An amusing book that doesn't take itself real seriously.
November 4, 2019
A quite silly work of metafiction and mystery.
January 8, 2020
I really wanted to like this one as it looked over-the-top dramatic and fun, but it was so long it dragged and lost my interest. My son loved it though. The narrator is here to tell us that "Chapter Two is Missing!" and Milo the book's janitor needs to do something about it, and help him find the chapter. The narrator has already hired Detective McGarrigan, and helpfully provides her information several times. Will they be able to catch the culprit who did it and recover the missing chapter? It gets an extra half star because my kid liked it so much he actually read it out loud to me. Recommended for ages 6-9, 3-1/2 stars.
November 23, 2019
I have not laughed so much while reading for a long, long time. Josh Lieb’s cleverness and irreverence is reminiscent of Jon Scieszka’s The Stinky Cheese Man. He engages the reader from the start, well..at least from chapter 2! And he weaves in concepts of print in a fun, creative way. Loved it!
June 24, 2025
The BIGGEST mystery is on the last page, under where the library taped the dust jacket!
Yeah, you'll see that problem in lots of reviews of this book. I read it with the older Little (age 9). She could not see the solution to the mystery unless we untaped the dust jacket. NO! I wouldn't set that example. Probably not a big deal to do, but there was another way...
Granny to the rescue.
I carry a little skinny mirror in my purse. Since the last page is written in reverse (a few others are too), Little was able to tuck the little mirror with her little fingers under the flap...and read it. The mystery wasn't much of a mystery but solving the taped dust jacket problem was BIG fun.
❤️
Yeah, you'll see that problem in lots of reviews of this book. I read it with the older Little (age 9). She could not see the solution to the mystery unless we untaped the dust jacket. NO! I wouldn't set that example. Probably not a big deal to do, but there was another way...
Granny to the rescue.
I carry a little skinny mirror in my purse. Since the last page is written in reverse (a few others are too), Little was able to tuck the little mirror with her little fingers under the flap...and read it. The mystery wasn't much of a mystery but solving the taped dust jacket problem was BIG fun.
❤️
October 8, 2020
Even though it's in picture book format, this would be a fun read for early elementary aged kids learning about writing stories.
Read
December 29, 2019Maybe it is just the mood I was in when I read this one but the name calling (crazy, stupid, idiot) seemed to come across in a way that bothered me.
March 8, 2022
Chapter two certainly is missing, and some punctuation and letters have been moved out of place as well. This playful mystery picture book will keep children laughing from page one through to the back cover. As the characters search for who stole chapter two, students get to interact with the language and characters of the text. They're even invited to call, email, or tweet at Detective McGarrigan with clues about where chapter two may be.
While younger students may be amused by the humor of the story, I think this book is more suitable for second grade up. As a teacher, this book can be used to identify aspects of mystery literature, or to interact with humorous texts in storytelling. It could also be a great project to have students write and/or call the detective with their conclusions.
While younger students may be amused by the humor of the story, I think this book is more suitable for second grade up. As a teacher, this book can be used to identify aspects of mystery literature, or to interact with humorous texts in storytelling. It could also be a great project to have students write and/or call the detective with their conclusions.
Read
November 2, 2019I did not really miss chapter two.
March 23, 2019
MetaFiction For the Elementary School Crowd
At the outset I thought this might end up being a sort of "Monster at the End of This Book" kind of tale. I was wrong. This is a sly, witty, and marvelously inventive book with an exceptionally sophisticated approach to word play, drawing, and the idea of what a book is. The fact that it is funny and entertaining, and that it is perfectly accessible to even the youngest reader is pretty amazing.
The premise is simple enough. Chapter Two of the book has been stolen. Our narrator, with the help of a detective, tries to figure out the how and why of the crime, and tries to prove that the perp is the book's janitor. As you might imagine, there were lots of ways for the author and illustrator to go here. I did not expect a deconstruction of what a book, or what a written word, is.
On the drawing side, the main action is drawn in a spare and cartoony style, with simple lines and color washes. The fun is in the backgrounds, where there are loads of clever little jokes and puns. (In the background there may be a box labeled "Word Bubbles - Emergency Use Only", or a case of "Unsatisfying Conclusi...".) That's good stuff.
There is a lot of playing around with type and fonts. In one chapter Milo the janitor hides a bunch of M's, and in a later chapter those missing M's keep the hero from declaring that .ilo is the thief. Really? In a kid's book we're joking around with text and type? And doing funny bits about punctuation?
The jokes are clever but still easy to understand. There are puns, double-talk, "who's on first" type stuff, and deadpan throwaways. Silly and smart are blended nicely.
So, this is a fun and consistently entertaining book that displays tremendous faith in its young readers. A nice find. (Please note that I had a chance to read a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
At the outset I thought this might end up being a sort of "Monster at the End of This Book" kind of tale. I was wrong. This is a sly, witty, and marvelously inventive book with an exceptionally sophisticated approach to word play, drawing, and the idea of what a book is. The fact that it is funny and entertaining, and that it is perfectly accessible to even the youngest reader is pretty amazing.
The premise is simple enough. Chapter Two of the book has been stolen. Our narrator, with the help of a detective, tries to figure out the how and why of the crime, and tries to prove that the perp is the book's janitor. As you might imagine, there were lots of ways for the author and illustrator to go here. I did not expect a deconstruction of what a book, or what a written word, is.
On the drawing side, the main action is drawn in a spare and cartoony style, with simple lines and color washes. The fun is in the backgrounds, where there are loads of clever little jokes and puns. (In the background there may be a box labeled "Word Bubbles - Emergency Use Only", or a case of "Unsatisfying Conclusi...".) That's good stuff.
There is a lot of playing around with type and fonts. In one chapter Milo the janitor hides a bunch of M's, and in a later chapter those missing M's keep the hero from declaring that .ilo is the thief. Really? In a kid's book we're joking around with text and type? And doing funny bits about punctuation?
The jokes are clever but still easy to understand. There are puns, double-talk, "who's on first" type stuff, and deadpan throwaways. Silly and smart are blended nicely.
So, this is a fun and consistently entertaining book that displays tremendous faith in its young readers. A nice find. (Please note that I had a chance to read a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
August 30, 2024
This book contains only three main characters (maybe four if you include yourself, the reader). But it manages to pack action, interaction, pointed commentary and arresting visuals into this tale of a missing chapter.
The fun starts on the title page as a bow-tied child with an upswept cowlick (ugh, you dislike him already) goes racing for a word bubble to engage the reader and start the action. The dedication page is no better, showing itself as a chaotic mess in spite of all the bins supposedly meant to keep matters in order.
Whodunnit? Well, that’s easy to figure. But not for the obstreperous boy or the hapless, witless Detective McGarrigan who show up to find the errant chapter. Instead, they race around, trip over misplaced punctuation, sweep up page numbers that have moved from their proper positions, listen to internet trolls who have their own nasty comments to make and argue with a shifty janitor who has his own opinions about how the story should be written.
The words are accompanied by pictures in black, white and mustard yellow that borders on orange. They’re framed against white pages that accentuate the action…or lack of it. This is a daring author indeed who is willing to have nothing happening for several pages. (Then again, that’s a complaint made about Stephen King’s writings and nobody likes that when he does it…)
While there’s no real payoff or resolution to the mystery, that’s kind of the point. It’s a book about punctuation, grammar, spelling and what happens when the rules of writing aren’t followed. As for the missing Milo, the still unnamed child vows revenge and to catch the disgruntled janitor.
So I guess that means there’s going to be a sequel? Hmmm…
The fun starts on the title page as a bow-tied child with an upswept cowlick (ugh, you dislike him already) goes racing for a word bubble to engage the reader and start the action. The dedication page is no better, showing itself as a chaotic mess in spite of all the bins supposedly meant to keep matters in order.
Whodunnit? Well, that’s easy to figure. But not for the obstreperous boy or the hapless, witless Detective McGarrigan who show up to find the errant chapter. Instead, they race around, trip over misplaced punctuation, sweep up page numbers that have moved from their proper positions, listen to internet trolls who have their own nasty comments to make and argue with a shifty janitor who has his own opinions about how the story should be written.
The words are accompanied by pictures in black, white and mustard yellow that borders on orange. They’re framed against white pages that accentuate the action…or lack of it. This is a daring author indeed who is willing to have nothing happening for several pages. (Then again, that’s a complaint made about Stephen King’s writings and nobody likes that when he does it…)
While there’s no real payoff or resolution to the mystery, that’s kind of the point. It’s a book about punctuation, grammar, spelling and what happens when the rules of writing aren’t followed. As for the missing Milo, the still unnamed child vows revenge and to catch the disgruntled janitor.
So I guess that means there’s going to be a sequel? Hmmm…
October 31, 2019
The children’s book Chapter Two Is Missing has some problems. First of all, and I hope that this is not a spoiler for you, but the second chapter has gone missing. Punctuation is in the wrong place. There are M’s all over the floor. And one chapter seems to be from a different book. But don’t worry. Detective McGarrigan is on the case. And with the help of you as the reader, Milo the janitor, and a hapless narrator, we might be able to crack the case after all.
It won’t be easy. Things keep moving, and those who are calling and emailing in to the detective are just spouting crazy conspiracy theories, like that chapter two is at the end of the book, and that it’s backwards! How would that even be possible?
But with some time to think, and some time to breathe, the answer will make itself known and the villain is unmasked in this adorably funny early chapter book.
Author Josh Lieb and illustrator Kevin Cornell have crafted an adorably hilarious children’s book with a compelling mystery and captivating characters. It’s only 48 pages long, but those pages are packed with clever puns and thoughtful wordplay. The book is described as being for ages 4-6, but I think the humor will appeal to those of all ages (I mean, it’s been a very long time since I was 6, and I laughed out loud at places).
Chapter Two Is Missing is a genuinely funny book for kids of all ages, and it’s definitely one to keep in mind for birthday and holiday presents. And you know, kids might like it too!
Galleys for Chapter Two Is Missing were provided by Razorbill through Edelweiss, with many thanks.
It won’t be easy. Things keep moving, and those who are calling and emailing in to the detective are just spouting crazy conspiracy theories, like that chapter two is at the end of the book, and that it’s backwards! How would that even be possible?
But with some time to think, and some time to breathe, the answer will make itself known and the villain is unmasked in this adorably funny early chapter book.
Author Josh Lieb and illustrator Kevin Cornell have crafted an adorably hilarious children’s book with a compelling mystery and captivating characters. It’s only 48 pages long, but those pages are packed with clever puns and thoughtful wordplay. The book is described as being for ages 4-6, but I think the humor will appeal to those of all ages (I mean, it’s been a very long time since I was 6, and I laughed out loud at places).
Chapter Two Is Missing is a genuinely funny book for kids of all ages, and it’s definitely one to keep in mind for birthday and holiday presents. And you know, kids might like it too!
Galleys for Chapter Two Is Missing were provided by Razorbill through Edelweiss, with many thanks.
December 4, 2019
The book begins with Chapter One, of course, where it is discovered that Chapter Two is missing! A phone number for the police, an email and even a place to tweet is offered to the reader. When the page is turned to Chapter Two, the reader only sees some erased and illegible text on a few pages. Then the book picks up again in mid-story. The chapters move past quickly, with even the characters noting the brisk pace. The detective arrives, the janitor redecorates with M’s and messes with punctuation. Another story merges in for some chapters and then some are blank as characters think hard about the mystery. In the end, the culprit is identified but not caught. Perhaps the reader though can find proof in their own home. Take a look!
Lieb has written a chapter book full of wild humor and a twisting mystery. The book has only three characters: the first person narrator, the detective and the janitor. So the potential suspects are limited. The joy of the book comes with the silliness of the premise, the jaunty pace and the knowledge that each turn of the page will bring something fresh and different. Lieb uses blank pages, inserts a different genre, mirror writing, and messes with punctuation to great effect.
While this may present as a chapter book, it actually bridges between a chapter book and a picture book as it is filled with illustrations and often the chapters are single pages. Done in black and yellow-orange, the illustrations are very funny, often interacting directly with the text on the page.
Funny and fast, this chapter book is a silly mess that really works. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
Lieb has written a chapter book full of wild humor and a twisting mystery. The book has only three characters: the first person narrator, the detective and the janitor. So the potential suspects are limited. The joy of the book comes with the silliness of the premise, the jaunty pace and the knowledge that each turn of the page will bring something fresh and different. Lieb uses blank pages, inserts a different genre, mirror writing, and messes with punctuation to great effect.
While this may present as a chapter book, it actually bridges between a chapter book and a picture book as it is filled with illustrations and often the chapters are single pages. Done in black and yellow-orange, the illustrations are very funny, often interacting directly with the text on the page.
Funny and fast, this chapter book is a silly mess that really works. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
October 14, 2020
This book was an unexpected surprise! It is very different from the average picture book because it has... CHAPTERS! (Very short chapters, yes, but they're STILL chapters.)
Here's the premise: Chapter two is missing! Where could it have gone? The detective isn't really a whole lot of help, and Milo the book janitor seems to be in a grumpy mood, snatching the m's and punctuation marks in sentences every now and then. Will chapter two ever be found? It's up to the narrator and YOU the reader to find the missing chapter!
I would suggest this picture book for ages 6-9. Any younger than that, and it'll probably go over their heads, and there is quite a bit of text. It definitely gave off an "older child" vibe. Six might even be too young.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and its uniqueness very much! There is a lot of fun word-play, silliness, and great humor. Also, it made me laugh! That's always a bonus.
Here's the premise: Chapter two is missing! Where could it have gone? The detective isn't really a whole lot of help, and Milo the book janitor seems to be in a grumpy mood, snatching the m's and punctuation marks in sentences every now and then. Will chapter two ever be found? It's up to the narrator and YOU the reader to find the missing chapter!
I would suggest this picture book for ages 6-9. Any younger than that, and it'll probably go over their heads, and there is quite a bit of text. It definitely gave off an "older child" vibe. Six might even be too young.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and its uniqueness very much! There is a lot of fun word-play, silliness, and great humor. Also, it made me laugh! That's always a bonus.
December 22, 2019
A fun, metafictive book that toys around with character knowledge that they're inside a book. Chapter Two is Missing succeeds in its boldness and ingenuity, but I found the characters to be a little two-dimensional. Certainly, for a book as bold as it's trying to be, it may be necessary for more exploration with the characters (it's picture book style, but the text has a lot more going on with it than the usual suspect)--not to mention that the characters are also a little bit mean and rude!
For a book that plays around with chronology and drama, it is pretty fun, but I found it lacking something--I just don't know what. Maybe something more is missing than just chapter two!
Review cross-listed here!
For a book that plays around with chronology and drama, it is pretty fun, but I found it lacking something--I just don't know what. Maybe something more is missing than just chapter two!
Review cross-listed here!
Read
January 24, 2021Chapter Two Is Missing! What might have happened to it? Where could it have gone? Don't worry reader, our main character and Detective McGarrigan are on the case.
A lot of quirky fun! I really appreciate that the book encourages you to help find the missing chapter
by tweeting, sending emails, and calling. I took a look, and the Twitter account does exist, but, more impressively, the phone number leads you to the voicemail box of Decetive McGarrigan...with a message that has actually been updated to reference covid (it is so hard to find Chapter Two when it and everyone else are wearing a mask)! Those kinds of small details really make me happy that a publishing team went above and beyond.
A lot of quirky fun! I really appreciate that the book encourages you to help find the missing chapter
by tweeting, sending emails, and calling. I took a look, and the Twitter account does exist, but, more impressively, the phone number leads you to the voicemail box of Decetive McGarrigan...with a message that has actually been updated to reference covid (it is so hard to find Chapter Two when it and everyone else are wearing a mask)! Those kinds of small details really make me happy that a publishing team went above and beyond.
January 17, 2022
Chapter Two is Missing is a fun read! Author Lieb has many assignments for us to complete. We’re asked to help to organize the book. Author Lieb keeps us on our toes looking for mistakes in punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Det. McGarrigan is the officer in charge but we will serve as Det. McGarrigan’s eyes and ears.
Chapter 2 is actually missing and without it the story doesn’t make sense.
What I like about Chapter Two is Missing is the clues are actually the answers. I like the way author Lieb’s mind works because not many authors could pull off this concept!
Chapter Two is Missing is a great way for children to practice punctuation, spelling, and grammar in a fun way.
Det. McGarrigan is the officer in charge but we will serve as Det. McGarrigan’s eyes and ears.
Chapter 2 is actually missing and without it the story doesn’t make sense.
What I like about Chapter Two is Missing is the clues are actually the answers. I like the way author Lieb’s mind works because not many authors could pull off this concept!
Chapter Two is Missing is a great way for children to practice punctuation, spelling, and grammar in a fun way.
October 18, 2024
"Chapter Two Is Missing" by Josh Lieb is a captivating chapter book that invites readers into a whimsical mystery surrounding the disappearance of its second chapter. Protagonists Milo and Detective McGarrigan embark on a quest to uncover clues hidden in missing letters and punctuation, engaging young readers in a playful yet challenging narrative. The illustrations by Kevin Cornell, while simple, effectively enhance character understanding beyond the text. However, a significant drawback arose during my reading experience: my library copy's dust jacket was taped to the book, preventing access to Chapter Two and leaving me with only a glimpse of the second page. This design flaw could disappoint young readers eager to solve the mystery alongside Milo and McGarrigan.
May 28, 2020
I read this during my lunch break today and it is SO CUTE. I laughed so much.
This story is about a young boy who realizes that chapter two of the book he's in is missing! A disaster! What are we to do with a missing chapter?? How can we know the entire story without it? Throughout the book, the narrator and a police officer (and occasionally a really suspicious book janitor) search for the missing chapter two. Along the way, there is a Twitter username, a phone number, and even an email address for the reader to send their tips and clues to!
Highly recommend this cute, fast paced, laugh-out-loud mini mystery!
This story is about a young boy who realizes that chapter two of the book he's in is missing! A disaster! What are we to do with a missing chapter?? How can we know the entire story without it? Throughout the book, the narrator and a police officer (and occasionally a really suspicious book janitor) search for the missing chapter two. Along the way, there is a Twitter username, a phone number, and even an email address for the reader to send their tips and clues to!
Highly recommend this cute, fast paced, laugh-out-loud mini mystery!
April 27, 2021
Written in short "chapters" this book plays with the mystery genre. Chapter Two is missing; someone must have stolen it. With the help of a detective, a cranky janitor, and detective noir illustrations, our main character tries to crack the case.
This would be a cute way to introduce mystery genre. Other reviews have noted that the back inside cover (which is important to the story) may be inaccessible to many readers who use library copies as dust jackets are often taped or glued. Other reviews also note that the use of idiot, stupid, etc throughout the text which can be problematic depending on your audience.
This would be a cute way to introduce mystery genre. Other reviews have noted that the back inside cover (which is important to the story) may be inaccessible to many readers who use library copies as dust jackets are often taped or glued. Other reviews also note that the use of idiot, stupid, etc throughout the text which can be problematic depending on your audience.
March 24, 2019
This wild and witty story is an exciting picture book debut from author Josh Lieb. The hilarious dialogue obliterates the fourth wall, drawing the reader in and guaranteeing that this will be a read-aloud favorite. Kevin Cornell’s clever, playful illustrations work perfectly with the text, adding deliciously absurd details and making big laughs even bigger. Kids will love this brilliant combination of humor and mystery.
My thanks to Razorbill and Edelweiss+ for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
My thanks to Razorbill and Edelweiss+ for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2020
I love love LOVED this book!! It's creative, snarky, hilarious, fun to look at.
Illustrations were great. Story was fun. Humor level was high. Snark was spot on. This is definitely a picture book adults will enjoy more than kids. But I'd classify this picture book as one for older kids. It's a little long and the humor is at a bit of a higher level. And it could be seen as a little mean spirited (the main kid character is kind of a jerk) but I thought it added to the overall snarky humor.
Great work!
Illustrations were great. Story was fun. Humor level was high. Snark was spot on. This is definitely a picture book adults will enjoy more than kids. But I'd classify this picture book as one for older kids. It's a little long and the humor is at a bit of a higher level. And it could be seen as a little mean spirited (the main kid character is kind of a jerk) but I thought it added to the overall snarky humor.
Great work!
July 6, 2020
Take away the words "janitor" (replace with "custodian"), "stupid," and "idiot," (...hello, the audience is young[er] listeners/readers, right? Can't we rise above those insults?!?), and you've got a laugh-out-loud, engaging mystery. The extensions for this story are endless: Making predictions, drawing inferences, using reflective surfaces to read the missing chapter, working out the incomplete words, adding punctuation when necessary, etc. The premise was extremely clever, and it's a shame the author didn't give a bit more thought to how specific words might "play out" when shared aloud.
May 20, 2021
So this is a well-crafted and an admirable swing for the fences, but I am afraid it will be a miss for most readers. There are lots of puns and inside jokes only super-precocious kids will get. The real Achilles heel is that the central figure in this mystery is the one disgruntled, working-class individual. This is a moment in American letters where the fortunate disregarding the less-fortunate packs a literary punch, but that is not true for ironic/sarcastic treatments in children's picture books. There is too much to explain and explanation is death to a joke.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews